Different Types of Stainless Steel Pipes

3 min readJul 2, 2023

Siddhgiri Tubes is a leading Stainless Steel Pipe Manufacturer in Malaysia, UAE, Ireland, France, Mexico, Hong Kong, Bhutan, Netherlands, Lithuania, Finland, Portugal, Qatar, Iraq, Lebanon, Romania, Libya, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Sweden, Oman, Bulgaria, Mongolia, Japan and more.

Stainless steel pipe is a corrosion-resistant and long-lasting alloy of iron, carbon, and various concentrations of chromium and other elements. Stainless steel is a common option for a wide range of applications in numerous industries because of its high chromium content, which makes it highly resistant to rust and corrosion, even in hostile situations.

Stainless steel pipes are widely used in various industries due to their durability, corrosion resistance, and versatility. There are several types of stainless steel pipes available, each designed for specific applications. Here are some common types of stainless steel pipes:

Austenitic Stainless Steel Pipes: Austenitic stainless steel pipes are the most common and widely used type. They are characterised by their excellent corrosion resistance, high ductility, and good weldability. The most popular grades in this category are 304 and 316 stainless steel pipes.

Ferritic Stainless Steel Pipes: Ferritic stainless steel pipes have a higher chromium content and lower carbon content compared to austenitic stainless steel. They are known for their magnetic properties, resistance to stress corrosion cracking, and excellent thermal conductivity. Common grades in this category include 409 and 430 stainless steel pipes.

Martensitic Stainless Steel Pipes: Martensitic stainless steel pipes have high strength and hardness. They are commonly used in applications that require good wear resistance and moderate corrosion resistance. Martensitic stainless steel pipes are typically used in the oil and gas industry. Grade 410 is a common example of martensitic stainless steel.

Duplex Stainless Steel Pipes: Duplex stainless steel pipes have a microstructure consisting of both austenite and ferrite phases. This dual-phase structure provides a combination of excellent corrosion resistance and high strength. Duplex stainless steel pipes are widely used in chemical processing, offshore oil and gas, and desalination plants.

Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel Pipes: Precipitation hardening stainless steel pipes, also known as PH stainless steel, are characterised by their high strength and hardness. They achieve these properties through heat treatment, which allows the precipitation of fine particles within the steel matrix. Common grades in this category include 17–4PH and 15–5PH stainless steel pipes.

Nickel Alloy Pipes: Although not strictly stainless steel, nickel alloy pipes are often included in this category due to their similar corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength. Nickel alloys, such as Inconel and Monel, are used in extremely corrosive environments and high-temperature applications, such as chemical processing, aerospace, and marine industries.

Seamless Stainless Steel Pipes: Seamless stainless steel pipes are manufactured without any welding seams. They are produced by piercing a solid billet and then rolling it into a cylindrical shape. Seamless pipes offer higher strength and can withstand higher pressure compared to welded pipes. They are commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and refineries.

Welded Stainless Steel Pipes: Welded stainless steel pipes are made by rolling a flat plate or sheet into a cylindrical shape and then welding the seam. They are available in various forms such as longitudinal or spiral welded pipes. Welded pipes are cost-effective and suitable for applications where high strength is not necessarily required.

These are just some of the main types of stainless steel pipes available. Each type has its own unique properties and applications, so it’s important to choose the right type based on the specific requirements of your project.